It was a rainy day, and Raihan, while gazing out the window at the birds perched on the tree, was thinking about her dreams and wishes. She had no idea whether she would ever achieve them or not.

Years have passed since that dark day; the day when Kabul witnessed one of the most painful moments in its history. The day when Farkhunda Malikzada, a young, educated, and faithful woman, was brutally murdered before the eyes of the people on the false accusation of burning the Quran. Later, everyone realized she was innocent, but by then it was too late. Farkhunda, along with all her dreams, was turned to ashes in the fire.

In a world full of sorrow and discrimination, where we girls grow up, having a supportive father is not only a blessing but a miracle. I am one of those lucky daughters who experienced this miracle in her life. My father not only did not restrict me, but he gave me wings to fly.

Four years have passed since the fall of the republic and the return of the Taliban, four years in which each day serves as a reminder of deception, ignorance, and violence. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, in his latest interview with Sky News, claimed that the group faces “no problem of legitimacy” and that many countries have “unofficially” recognized them.